Four Common Driver-Related Forklift Accidents
How To Prevent Driver-Related Forklift Accidents
Forklift safety training is the answer to preventing driver-related forklift accidents. It serves a dual purpose, firstly by training drivers on the correct forklift safety procedures and practical applications. It also educates drivers on the detrimental risks of not adhering to these rules and safety measures. Required forklift safety training is for both newly appointed drivers, as well as experienced drivers that have forgotten their previous safety training information or have fallen into a habit of not following protocols.
RT Equipment can take care of all your forklift driver training needs. Our training courses equip drivers with both theory-based knowledge of safety procedures and rules, as well as practical training on the correct methods and techniques required to operate forklifts safely.
]]>Safety Benefits Of Using Forklift Accessories
For specialised needs such as transporting hazardous chemicals or unusual loads, specific forklift attachments are compulsory. However, when it comes to general use, they serve as a valuable safety measure to protect both your employees and your assets. For example, clamps and fork positioners help secure loads better to reduce or eliminate accidents caused by items falling off during transportation. Similarly, accidents caused by drivers exceeding a forklift’s weight capacity can be prevented by installing digital load scales directly onto forklifts so drivers can confirm the weight of a load before attempting to transport it.
Productivity Benefits Of Using Forklift Accessories
Effective use of forklift accessories can substantially cut down load handling time and increase productivity levels. Specialised attachments reduce the loading time as well as facilitate quicker securing of loads for safe transportation. Load transportation times can also be decreased. Drivers can perform various tasks with a single forklift instead of having to swap vehicles for each different task type constantly. Improving process efficiency also reduces driver fatigue and frustration, further contributing to enhancing productivity standards.
Cost-Saving Benefits Of Using Forklift Accessories
A single forklift can be adapted to suit multiple purposes by merely using the right forklift accessories. This will also decrease the need to purchase or hire different forklifts for each operational need, drastically cutting down business expenses. Fewer forklifts lead to a reduction in overall running costs in terms of labour, fuel and maintenance costs. The improved productivity and safety levels related to the proper use of forklift accessories also have a further positive financial impact.
RT Equipment are trusted suppliers of a wide range of forklift truck attachments, specialised materials handling equipment and forklift accessories. Our team of experts are always ready to assist and can help you find the right tools for the job. We are also passionate about safety. You need to train and licence drivers properly to ensure correct and productive use of forklifts. Introducing new equipment such as specialised forklift accessories or equipment also requires additional training for the relevant drivers before they attempt to operate them. Contact RT Equipment for all your forklift licence and training needs.
]]>New Laws or Regulations: Over time, changes to laws and policies take place. This includes general health and safety regulations, local by-laws and industry-specific processes. It is important for all drivers to stay up to date with all requirements.
Incorrect Practices: Experienced drivers sometimes stray from proper methods over time, and may even develop habits of taking unsafe shortcuts, despite being well aware of the correct procedures. That’s why it is vitally important to stress the dangers of not complying with safety rules and regulations and the possible consequences of such practices.
Forgetfulness: Drivers may forget specific details from their initial training, especially if it's related to tasks that are seldom done. Hence the need for refresher courses that remind them about the approved methods related to their roles as forklift drivers.
Reduced Capabilities: A refresher course that includes practical training can help spotlight diminished capabilities of drivers (such as impaired eyesight or hearing). This can help bring attention to risk factors that the company may not have been aware of and can go a long way in preventing potential future accidents or incidents due to health or other factors.
The benefits of drivers attending a forklift course as a refresher are not just related to safety within the workplace, but also promotes increased productivity and reduces the risk of loss. RT Equipment offers a variety of forklift courses to meet different needs, including a shorter refresher course for licensed drivers. This can be done in just half a day, so your staff can get back to work quickly. Contact our team for more information or to book a course date.
]]>Workplace Health & Safety
Business owners are accountable when it comes to the health and safety of all staff. An unlicensed driver, or one with an expired licence, could injure both themselves and other staff – for example, by a collision with another vehicle, knocking down a pedestrian or causing goods or equipment to fall. If such an incident involves an unlicensed driver, the business owner could be financially and legally liable.
Law and Regulation
In addition to health and safety regulations, business owners are legally required to ensure that employees are properly trained for tasks that may put themselves or others in danger. This, of course, includes forklift drivers. The licence itself needs to be correct in terms of the type of job. For example, there are different requirements for drivers that will be driving on roads, as opposed to those operating within the business premises only. Again, business owners or senior staff could be criminally liable if an accident occurs due to negligence or non-compliance.
Business Operation
It’s in the best interest of the business that forklift licence NZ is updated and that drivers attend regular refresher courses. Aside from the safety dangers mentioned above, there could also be a financial loss (such as damage to stock or property) from improper methods.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry. So, for forklift licenses and training in New Zealand, get in touch with RT Equipment now.
]]>With the availability of various types of forklift trucks (counterbalance forklifts, rough terrain forklift, etc.), the Health and Safety regulations require forklift operators to receive forklift training specific to the type of truck that will be driven. Forklift types vary in characteristics, functions and control features so training can never be one size fits all.
Find an approved forklift training provider and register for the training course suitable for your needs. It will comprise of two components:
The evaluation process usually consists of a theoretical exam and a practical evaluation to assess skill level.
You’re now ready to begin working as a forklift operator.
What Does A Forklift Licence Cover?
Approved forklift licence courses in New Zealand provide training in the knowledge and skills required to operate a forklift safely. These courses usually focus on driver licensing requirements such as the knowledge of basic forklift truck functions and controls, how to drive and manoeuvre trucks and best practices in loading and relocating cargo. In addition to acquiring a licence, an employer may ask you to complete other health and safety courses and to obtain the F endorsement on your driver licence (for driving a forklift on public roads).
Acquiring a forklift licence offers numerous advantages and a licence improves a job applicant’s prospects of landing a job at a reputable company. Are you interested in obtaining a forklift licence in New Zealand? Then contact RT Equipment. We’re a leading provider of approved forklift operator training courses overseen by OSH registered instructors.
]]>Avoidable Forklift Driver Errors
Common causes of forklift accidents range from driver behaviour (speeding, failure to communicate with other employees in the immediate vicinity and performing tricks) to mechanical (not maintaining or repairing forklifts as recommended) and organisational factors (companies ignoring the importance of proper professional forklift training for operators). Here are four common forklift driver errors that can be avoided.
A forklift truck bearing over capacity loads renders a truck unstable and likely to tip over. This danger is escalated when a forklift is operated on wet or uneven surfaces.
Improperly trained operators are more likely to be guilty of driving at high speed. During proper training, an operator is made aware of the serious consequences of driving too fast and the consequences of losing control.
The danger of driving a forklift with an elevated load is that the load can fall off and cause an injury or impeding the view of the operator that can lead to injury.
It is never okay to abandon a forklift while the engine is still switched on, even if it’s within an operator’s view. A properly parked forklift has its engine shut off and brakes set.
How To Avoid Serious Consequences Of Forklift Incidents
A good dose of common sense and implementing best practice techniques in driving, manoeuvring, loading and unloading and parking a forklift will go a long way towards preventing accidents. In addition, so will observing safety practices as laid down by WorkSafe NZ.
For forklift certification for employees that meets OSHO rules and regulations, give RT Equipment a call. Our certification programmes range from beginner level to advanced and refresher courses.
]]>Think of a forklift the same way you think of your car. Would you allow someone without a license to drive it? Of course not! It’s an expensive asset, and there’s too much risk involved. If someone knows how to operate a forklift through certification and training hours, there’s less risk of them damaging it or anyone around them. Insurance companies also charge lower premiums in such instances.
You’re legally obliged to complete a national forklift training programme before you can be considered a licensed operator. It protects you and everyone around you while you operate it.
If you understand how a forklift works, it becomes easier to run it. A theoretical test precedes a practical one for a reason. When you learn all about the inner workings, mechanics and standard operating procedure of a machine, you become more familiar with it and less intimidated by it.
There’s no use in stepping on site with a head full of facts but no clue on what to physically do next. It’s not worth the risk of getting into an accident, hurting yourself or even someone else in the process. Training provides a safe space to learn and master every forklift movement.
A national forklift training qualification makes you more desirable to your current employer. It’s an investment in your future and an addition to your skill set. Knowing that they’d have to retrain someone from scratch should they replace you, will make your employers less likely to do so.
Ready to take the plunge and learn? You can get started right away. Contact RT Equipment and enquire about forklift training today.
]]>If you’ve decided to incorporate forklifts in your business environment, you might think you‘ll need an entire new workforce. Not necessarily. If you have a large enough workforce it would be in the best interests of the business to put some of the workers you already have through a forklift training programme. The employees will receive licenses and become expert forklift operators, adding to the list of transferable skills available to the business.
Your employees want to know that they can grow and expand in their jobs, and new forklift operator positions make your company attractive to them as they’ll see that they can grow within the business. It means your business will be more likely to retain skilled professionals who are familiar with how you operate. These individuals can also go on to help train recruits as you grow and employ more people.
Many people believe that you have to spend money to make money. What if we told you it was possible to make money while spending less money? Insurance companies profile your company based on the risk it carries. With a team of licensed forklift operators, the risk of accidents reduces significantly. Reduced risk equals reduced premiums, which saves the business on monthly operating costs.
Well-trained employees are more confident and enjoy higher morale. Unsurprising, considering we all want the security of knowing what our jobs are and that we’re doing them well. Forklift training for Auckland employees enables them to get more done in less time, which makes for a more efficient workforce. It’s also one where people are less stressed.
Lowering your HR turnover, retaining the right people, increasing your profits and reducing everyone’s work-related stress will all contribute to growing your business. What better reason to invest in forklift training? Contact RT Equipment to find out the next steps to take today.
]]>What exactly are the safety (and other) benefits of an on-site training programme? We thought of a few that we could share. Enjoy!
1. Step-By-Step Coverage Of All Relevant Safety Rules
So you have the safety rules printed in black and white on the booklet in front of you. What do they mean without practical testing? Nothing. The rules will make more sense to trainees when applied in the relevant environment, making them easier to understand and to follow.
2. Get Familiar With The Daily Work Environment
No two factories, wholesale stores or warehouses are the same. It’s great to have an idea of how the forklift works. It’s even better to have a nuanced understanding of the context in which drivers operate the vehicles. The better a forklift operator knows the environment, the less likely they are to bump into their surroundings once they start working.
3. (Perfect) Practice Makes Perfect
Physical practice is the only way to know if your forklift safety training is effective. The proof is in the pudding. Driving a forklift is a practical job more than it is an intellectual one. A forklift safety training programme must produce confident and qualified professionals. Practice in a real workspace is the best way to achieve this.
4. An Opportunity To Track Trainees In Real-Time
Having on-site training allows you to keep an eye on trainee progress. It also allows you to correct mistakes immediately. Getting this right saves time and makes the learning experience an interactive one. Everyone will be on the same page. It will be easier to introduce and show changes to the safety protocol over time.
The truth is, receiving extra guidance from experienced forklift operators in the workplace is the best training you can get. Contact RT Equipment for top quality forklift safety training courses, equipment and more!
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We see forklifts every day in shops, factories and other workplaces. At face value they aren’t much to write home about and it’s easy to take them for granted, but what does it mean for your staff to get a handle on using these machines safely and securely? We highlight a few benefits of training your workforce as licensed forklift operators.
1. Ensure That Pedestrians Are Safe On-Site
More often than not forklift operators don’t work in isolation. There are usually other staff members working on foot nearby. An operator with the necessary on-site training will know when to be extra careful. Heightened safety awareness keeps employees safe from avoidable injuries, making for a more confident and productive workforce.
2. Keep Forklift Operators Safe & In Control
The right forklift training ensures that operators look out for their safety, in addition to keeping everyone around them safe. A licensed operator will conduct the necessary checks before, during and after manoeuvring the vehicle each time. This reduces the risk of injury drastically and gives them the confidence to operate the machine day in and day out.
3. Fewer Chances Of On-Site Fender Benders
Most sites that use forklifts also store valuable stock. Perhaps there’s even more than one forklift in operation. Safety training helps operators to steer clear of on-site collisions as much as possible. Secure operations in this type of environment demand adequate training and a clear understanding of the tasks at hand. Thorough and consistent training ensures this every time.
4. Minimise Damage Repair & Maintenance Costs For Forklifts
The risk of sustaining equipment damage from accidents increases with untrained operators. Unnecessary repair costs can drain your profits. With certified forklift operators on your team your business pocket is safer. A forklift that’s operated correctly is also less likely to breakdown, leading to fewer maintenance costs.
5. Lower Risk Equals Lower Insurance Premiums
Insurance companies will charge you less on premiums if you have trained operators. Invest in forklift training to ensure a safe work environment for all involved. Contact us today.
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Why It Benefits Your Resume
If you’re applying for a forklift driver position with no forklift licence, your chances of getting the job are very slim, and the company that hires you is taking a major risk as should you have any kind of accident (be it on company property or with a client) they could be held liable.
If you have a forklift licence, it demonstrates more than that you have the skills to operate the machine. It shows that you are someone who takes safety precautions and compliance seriously and that you’re not just someone who takes a chance by applying for a job that they’re not suitable for. It means that you know about the safety regulations surrounding the use of heavy machinery and you won’t be a liability to the company that will potentially hire you and that you could potentially help point other workers in the right direction regarding best practices.
Other Skills Created Through Training
The training required for you to get a forklift licence entails building certain skills that will benefit in and outside of the workplace. For example, it pushes you to improve your analytical skills. In general, forklift drivers are expected to have good eye-sight and hearing and to be extremely safety conscious and be aware of their surroundings. This behaviour often carries over into how you approach other tasks, such as driving, completing paperwork and giving instructions. These skills will help you in any job situation – not just ones where you operate a forklift.
If you want to improve your resume and be the best candidate for the job, contact RT Equipment today for forklift hoist training.
]]>Seeing a physical certificate attesting to a person’s forklift driving skills is one thing, but knowing if that certificate is valid or original is another. Unfortunately, not everyone plays by the book and fraudulent certification is all too common. There are many reasons why people would get fake certificates – they might be trying to cut corners or desperate for a job. Either way, if your warehouse is under inspection and your forklift driver has fake certification; it can put you and your company in jeopardy. As an employer, you can check the validity of someone’s certification and training by calling the company who issued the certificate. You can also find out if the training facility is accredited by checking if the company is on the National Forklift Trainer database.
A forklift licence must be renewed every three years. In between this, it will help you to conduct random skill assessments to make sure that all your forklift operators are following safety guidelines and protocols that have been set in place in your warehouse.
If you’re in doubt about the authenticity of the forklift training facilities in and around your area, we can recommend a place that is accredited and trusted by many. RT Equipment in Auckland is a popular service provider that can help you get your forklift operators trained and certified with valid licences.
You don’t have to compromise the safety of your people, equipment or workspace by hiring untrained forklift operators or those with questionable certification. At RT Equipment you won’t just get all the parts and services for your forklift – we’ll also train your forklift operators too!
]]>Requirements For A Forklift Driver
To drive a forklift, an individual must be 18 years or older. You need training beyond secondary education, and it’s important to obtain this training from a place that is recognised and experienced in the field. Because safety is a primary concern for most businesses, a forklift driver is only allowed to work within the limitations of their certificate. This means that once you’ve been certified to operate a particular forklift, that is the only one you’re allowed to drive. Each forklift driver is specialised to handle their particular machinery, and it’s for that reason that no single licence can be obtained, but rather a variety of licences specific to the forklift type.
Why Is It So Important?
Training for forklift operation is needed because operating a forklift requires you consider the people and workspace around you, all the while completing your required tasks. Within a warehouse or factory, you’ll also have to consider any other forklifts in operation, activities taking place on the floor as well as your safety as the person operating the machine.
What Does It Involve?
To get a licence, you need hands-on and practical driving lessons so that you understand how a forklift and its equipment operates. Training will ensure that you are safety orientated and aware of all safety concerns regarding your forklift, including any policies specific to your company. Going for training, therefore, results in you getting a certificate to drive a forklift which serves as your forklift licence.
Getting a specific forklift licence is of great importance and is best completed with a company that not only knows about forklifts but is also certified to train you. RT Equipment can cater to all of your forklift needs, from forklift certification to forklift maintenance and spare parts.
]]>Training For And Obtaining A Forklift Licence – What Are The Options?
Training for a licence forms the foundation for safety in the warehouse. Because there are such a variety of needs for forklift operators, there’s a variety of options that you could look into for training your operators. At different levels of experience, different training needs are required.
Forklift licences need to be renewed every three years, and forklift operators who are renewing their forklift licenses do not need as extensive training as new operators, which will come as a relief to those we use it on a daily basis and don’t need to take a full and time-consuming course. Different courses range from detailed ones that cover the basics of forklift training in detail to short refresher courses that are done to renew licences.
A Safe Environment
Learning to ride a forklift takes practice. It’s important to ensure that after sufficient training, and after forklift operators have obtained their licences, that they can practice in a safe environment. This practice allows them to put the training that they have learned into practical use.
Training At The Right Place
It’s important for operators to obtain training from a place that knows forklifts, as well as can provide detailed and sufficient training depending on the need present, as most workforces will have a combination of established and new forklift drivers. Learning how to operate a forklift and getting a fork hoist licence needs to be done at a place that can train, educate and enforce the importance of workplace safety. RT Equipment can meet all your forklift needs from purchasing machinery, parts and services, to getting operations training.
]]>A Kiwi transport and logistics company has recently been fined almost $300,000 after it was established that a truck driver was harmed by a forklift on their premises. It was said that the site saw dozens of forklifts in operation at any given time and that drivers frequently overloaded their forklifts to the point where their visibility and ability to manage traffic was compromised. While the fine itself might not seem huge, the negative publicity and repercussions of the accident will no doubt impact this business for years to come.
A simple forklift training course and adherence to it would easily have prevented such an incident from occurring. A core element of the training syllabus deals with how to handle loaded and unloaded masses as well as how to load and unload the forklift itself. The driver is educated in detail on the forklift’s capacity and how to manage its centre of gravity and load centre so that it can always make controlled movements, even when fully loaded. They’re also schooled in the correct stacking and unstacking procedures and how to deal with a poorly stacked load before moving the machine.
These all might seem like minor points to remember but even the most experienced forklift driver can forget them if they’ve done things differently at another company or if they haven’t attended training in a long time. It’s why investing in regular refresher and comprehensive forklift courses for your staff members is something your business should never lose sight of.
]]>Forklift certification across the world emphasises the importance of examining a machine thoroughly before operating it so that there are no obvious problems with its warning devices, ability to brake and general controls. It’s a step that drivers follow when they first undergo training but one that often falls by the wayside when they’ve been driving a forklift for a long time. It’s also something that many stop implementing despite getting new forklifts or repairing existing ones. These can all impact how a machine operates and can easily lead to an injury occurring.
Often it only takes a minor issue with equipment to impact the stopping distance reaction time of a forklift. As a result, the machine can’t stop as quickly as it used to be able to and is unable to brake. This is what leads to a collision which causes injuries and fatalities. It’s also something that can happen when reversing the forklift, when the forklift is overloaded or when there is poor visibility due to a dirty windshield or other factors.
It's important for businesses to remember that the cost of a lack of training goes beyond just halted work and fines. Death and injury to any person (be they a worker or bystander) should be the first thing businesses are concerned about stopping. Thankfully with regularly held, affordable forklift certification courses from RT Equipment, this is easy to prevent.
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RT Equipment can help your team get their Class 1 or Class 2 driver’s licence with a Forklift F endorsement, whether you need to operate a forklift weighing up to 18,000kg or over 18,000kg respectively. Any site the public has access to or where a vehicle may be weighed for any enactment is defined as a road, and you’ll need this endorsement should you plan on operating a forklift in this space.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
A Forklift Operator Certificate will show you the correct driving procedures for operating a forklift on a road as well as how to inspect a machine before and after using it to ensure it’s safe for operation. It will show you how to operate a forklift safely during common activities such as stacking, unstacking, loading and unloading. You’ll also be trained to identify and avoid environmental hazards present as well as to refuel, park and store the forklift when its not in use.
IS THIS TRAINING REALLY NECESSARY?
Should any worker of yours be caught operating a forklift without the necessary endorsements and certifications and an accident or fatality occurs, you will incur serious fines and will be considered liable. This could put your business out of commission and scare away important clients and is not worth the risk.
CHOOSE RT EQUIPMENT AND SECURE YOUR FORKLIFT OPERATOR CERTIFICATE F ENDORSEMENT
To operate any forklift safely on a road you need to get an F Endorsement and certificate from a Department of Labour (DOL) approved operator, and the New Zealand Transport Agency must approve the course and based on New Zealand Qualifications Authority Unit Standards 18496 and 10851. RT Equipment offers a course that meets all the above requirements, so you can rest assured that your qualification is 100% legal and compliant. We can also help you to renew yours, as required every three years.
To find out more about getting certified or have any questions surrounding Forklift Safety Training, contact RT Equipment today.
]]>Whichever need your business has, RT Equipment New Zealand can meet it. We’ve developed a detailed customer service and support programme to ensure that every client gets the help they need, when they need it and how they need it.
HIRE WHATEVER YOU NEED
No matter what support your business needs, RT Equipment can provide it, and we have close to three decades of experience in successfully doing so. We’ve created a cost-effective hire solution to meet the needs of businesses who require specialised equipment for a single period or project, and our fleet is well maintained between hires to ensure they perform as expected. Contact us today to find out which forklift would best meet your needs as well as which of our many BolzoniAuramo Meyer forklift attachments you could use during your hire period.
WE OFFER ANY SPARE PART UNDER THE SUN
If your machine needs spare parts, we encourage you to contact us today. We stock all the parts for our favourite forklift and truck brands and promise to source you anything that we don’t have in stock. All you need to do is give us your specifications and we’ll do all the hard work for you.
WE SERVICE ALL MACHINERY AND ACCESSORIES
While servicing forklifts is what we do, we don’t neglect the rest. You can trust us to service your forklift attachments and materials handling equipment too. We also offer regular fork wear and inspection services, so you can accurately predict when you’ll need to invest in a repair or replacement.
For more information on the services listed above, call RT Equipment New Zealand on 0800 880 101 or (09) 262 0721 or send an email to sales@rtequipment.co.nz.
]]>Our National Forklift Training courses combine both practical and theoretical training so that your workers will walk away confident that they can not only operate the machine they’re currently assigned to but can also understand the underlying mechanisms responsible for making the machine function. We believe it’s essential for all forklift drivers to know how and why specific safety and operational standards and procedures have been put in place as this gives them a deeper understanding and appreciation of their importance.
UNIQUE BENEFITS OF RT EQUIPMENT COURSES
When you select one of our courses, you can look forward to working directly with an OSH-registered instructor who will only instruct you using OSH Code of Practice certification approved course content. While all of our courses are conducted on our business premises in Manukau City, we can arrange on-site training for your business should you have at least six trainees who will be attending the class.
All our courses include a practical assessment on a specific type of forklift, but if your business requires further evaluation or F Endorsement (for using a forklift on the road) and unit standards, we can arrange for this to be offered in conjunction with your course. We can also provide you with online refresher courses, as well as re-training if you just need to brush up on your knowledge and not your skills.
At the end of each course, you’ll be presented with a photo ID card that you can use to prove that you’ve received the necessary training.
OUR FOUR AUCKLAND FORKLIFT TRAINING COURSES:
Need your forklift operator certificate or licence renewed? Then choose our HALF-DAY COURSE.
Have extensive forklift experience driving but no formal certificate? Choose our ONE-DAY COURSE!
Have little or no experience with operating forklifts? Choose our TWO-DAY COURSE!
Our National Forklift Training offers 4 Unit Standards (10851, 10852, 18409, 18496), consisting of Level 3 papers that add up to 16 credits.
To inquire about booking a training session for one or more of your employees, please contact RT Equipment today.
]]>If it does, your needs won’t end there. You’ll find a company that will either sell you the equipment or offer you forklift rentals and will customise it to fit your business’s needs if necessary. You’ll also need to ensure that whoever drives it has access to forklift training that counts towards a NZ forklift license or fork hoist license in line with the latest safety and operational standards. On top of this, you’ll need someone on call for regular forklift servicing or if you urgently need forklift accessories/forklift attachments added.
To meet all these needs at once, contact RT Equipment today.
WE’RE FORKLIFT SERVICING, TRAINING AND PARTS EXPERTS
RT Equipment can offer your business any machinery needed for its material handling needs (including straddle trucks, top loaders, pallet jacks and powered industrial lift trucks), powered by the latest technological innovations to keep your business profitable. We’ll help you stay ahead of the curve with fork hoist training or forklift training in line with the latest health and safety regulations, qualifications and approved standards. Finally, we’ll keep your equipment in top shape with expert forklift servicing and forklift accessories/parts availability. Just call us on 0800 880 101 or email sales@rtequipment.co.nz for more information.
ABOUT RT EQUIPMENT
For over 20 years, RT Equipment has offered innovative workplace products and services centred on Forklift Training in Auckland. While we focus on forklift attachments, accessories and parts we also sell, service and provide training for mechanical materials handling equipment, pallet jacks and stackers, customised/modified pallet handling equipment and battery handling equipment. To keep you operational 24/7, we offer preventative maintenance programmes, customer support service and breakdown service.
As we specialise in workplace safety, you can rely on us to stay ahead on the latest New Zealand WorkSafe standards, regulations and legislation. We’re continually updating our NZ forklift license and fork hoist licence training programmes to keep them up to date and compliant.
As a proudly New Zealand company, we’re proud to boost the economy and provide employment, while serving the needs of those in it. You’ll experience this dedication at every touchpoint with our business, and we invite you to experience it for yourself by seeking assistance from your business and staff members.]]>Understanding the forklift’s mechanics
To begin training a prospective forklift operator, it is imperative to explain all the parts of the equipment clearly. This will help trainees understand the mechanics and physics of a forklift before they begin driving it.
The authorisation process
Discuss the expectations associated with becoming an authorised forklift operator with trainees in advance, so they are well-prepared. The process is similar to that of attaining a driver’s license.
Inspecting the forklift
Cover all the aspects of a pre-inspection. The surroundings, as well as external and internal conditions of the forklift’s parts, can determine whether or not the vehicle is being operated within safety standards.
Handling a load
Ensuring that stability is maintained when loads are placed on the forklift is a critical skill. Failure to do this can result in overturn accidents, which can cause extensive or even fatal injuries. Focus on explaining and demonstrating the mechanics and physics of the vehicle.
Operating the forklift
Include a step-by-step guide to operating a forklift in your course, along with a practical component. Test each operational activity practically in a safe environment.
Safety considerations after operating the forklift
Explain post-operational safety practices, such as parking in a designated area, switching off the forklift and apply the parking brake
Charging and/or fuelling the forklift
The processes of refuelling or charging a forklift are potential safety threats, so cover all relevant components such as safety gear, location and emergency measure.
Testing trainees
Testing is a way to measure the extent to which operators-in-training have understood and retained information. This can be done in the form of short quizzes at the end of every topic you cover, case study examinations to check problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, and practical tests to ensure that trainees are actually able to operate a forklift.
Certification of completion:
The training course you offer must be approved by the relevant authorities so that you can provide trainees with a credible and recognisable certificate.
RT Equipment offers a vast range of certified and approved forklift training courses. If you need us to guide you through becoming an authorised forklift operator, call 0800 880 101 or send an email to sales@rtequipment.co.nz.
]]>As specialists in workplace safety for all forklift and materials handling equipment, RTE has set out a few safety tips to help keep the workplace safe.
Forklift operators are required to be licensed professionals, with the relevant theoretical knowledge and practical skills to operate the equipment safely. Take the step to undergo training and licensing processes.
The law requires the maintenance of safe and healthy conditions in workplace environments - this includes vehicles, such as forklifts.
Before you even board a forklift, you need to ensure that you are dressed in appropriate safety gear. Wear well-fitted, basic safety work wear, which includes a reflector jacket, safety shoes and a hard hat.
Check that everything in your forklift is in place and working properly - report any defects to the relevant persons for repairs.
Goods must be loaded securely and evenly onto the forklift to make for stable operation.
Horseplay and other inappropriate use of a forklift can result in injury and even death.
Maintain a safe speed and slow down when turning corners.
Avoid uneven, wet or slippery surfaces. Drive extra carefully if you cannot avoid these surfaces.
Be aware of large objects and other vehicles around you, and drive in reverse if your vision is obscured by a load.
Switch off the forklift, apply the parking brake and leave the forks lowered to the floor.
Thousands of accidents happen in the workplace every year. Follow these tips to make sure you know how to use a forklift safely so you don’t become another statistic.
Related Tag: Forklift Safety Training
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